"Hundred-step Heavenly God cultivation, and you can still firmly hold fourth place on the Talent Ranking. You truly are astonishingly gifted." Ye Yun said with a smile.
"Your Excellency flatters me. Chu Ai, who is third on the Talent Ranking, is only at the Divine Spirit level. Not to mention Ye Yun, who is ranked first. I am far inferior to both of them," Meng Ji said, shaking his head with a hint of dejection. He felt he could never catch up to these two geniuses ranked ahead of him.
"You don't need to be so self-deprecating. Remember, there are several Creation Gods on this Talent Ranking. Being ranked alongside them is more than enough to be proud of," Ye Yun said, trying to counsel Meng Ji.
"Heh heh, you're right. To be able to teach disciples at the Divine Spirit and Star God levels, your talent must be truly incredible. I wonder what your rank is on the Talent Ranking?" Meng Ji asked with interest, a bitter smile on his face.
"Hahaha, I don't need to say. I'm not even on the list," Ye Yun replied dismissively, waving his hand.
"It seems you're still wary of me. That's fine, it's only natural," Meng Ji said with a faint smile.
"It's not about being wary of you, it's just that I'm a recluse and don't want to cause trouble," Ye Yun stated.
"Indeed. This time, Tianlan City has gathered many powerhouses from the Great Thousand Worlds. It's natural for mysterious individuals like yourself to not wish to reveal their identities. I understand, I understand!" Meng Ji said with a smile.
"You're quite open-minded, and a straightforward person. Why don't we have a drink? It would be a shame not to share this encounter," Ye Yun said. He could see that Meng Ji was a magnanimous and forthright individual, and he didn't dislike people like him.
"Thank you for your trust, Your Excellency. I gladly accept!" Meng Ji nodded slightly and raised his cup with Ye Yun.
They drank in one gulp and then smiled at each other.
At that moment, an elegant and graceful figure appeared before Ye Yun and Meng Ji.
"You scoundrel, are you enjoying yourself here all alone, and not caring about your disciples?" the newcomer leaned in and whispered into Ye Yun's ear. The warm breath tickled Ye Yun's ear, making even his strong will feel a little restless. Not to mention that Song Ziyue's figure was undeniably impressive, and the way she leaned in further accentuated her ample bosom. Ye Yun couldn't help but want to sneak a peek.
"Ye Aotian, are you going to speak or just pretend to be dumb?" Song Ziyue said, sounding annoyed.
"Ah? What are you talking about? I, Ye Aotian, would even give my life for my disciples. How can you say I don't care about them? Miss Song, you're framing me," Ye Yun's face began to flush. As Song Ziyue moved closer, he couldn't help but recall what he had done to her in his dreams. A grown man, and he was actually feeling a bit shy. Of course, Song Ziyue's alluring body was also a significant factor. For a man in his prime, there was no need to hide his desires.
"Meng Ji, let me introduce you..." Just as Ye Yun was about to introduce Song Ziyue to Meng Ji to ease the awkward atmosphere, he noticed that Meng Ji's face was even redder than his own, and his eyes were fixed on Song Ziyue, unblinking.
"Ah?" Ye Yun was speechless. He hadn't expected the talented Meng Ji, ranked fourth on the Talent Ranking, to be so utterly captivated by Song Ziyue.
"Meng Ji, Meng Ji!" he called out to Meng Ji, but the man didn't react, still gazing at Song Ziyue with a gentle smile.
"You damn it, you're really embarrassing me," Ye Yun reached out and nudged Meng Ji's shoulder a few times. Meng Ji finally woke up.
"Ah, what? What did Your Excellency say?" Meng Ji looked at Ye Yun, dazed, having heard none of what he had said. This left Ye Yun speechless. He thought to himself that while Song Ziyue was a beautiful and seductive woman, she shouldn't have caused such a talented individual to lose himself.
"Hmph, Ye Aotian, see? You really don't appreciate my charm at all. This young master is much more honest; he directly expresses his inner feelings through his actions. You should learn from him," Song Ziyue said to Ye Yun.
"Since this young master is so compatible with you, why don't you stay with him for the rest of your lives? I'll definitely bless you both," Ye Yun said, baring his pearly white teeth and raising an eyebrow.
"You, Ye Aotian, you really deserve a beating!" Song Ziyue said shyly, her cheeks blooming like red flowers. She reached out to pinch Ye Yun's ear. This made Ye Yun even more speechless. They weren't that familiar yet. If Xing Wu saw this, he'd surely be made to kneel on a washboard. He quickly raised his hand to stop Song Ziyue.
"Your Excellency, that's not quite right. This young lady and I have just met. For you to say such a thing is a bit inappropriate," Meng Ji said with a smile. Although he said this, he was secretly pleased. He thought Ye Aotian was being sensible. If he really ended up with the lady before him, he would owe Ye Yun a great debt of gratitude.
"It's still this young master who understands etiquette. Ye Aotian, what do you think would happen if I told Xing Wu about what happened between us back then? Hmm?" Song Ziyue suddenly looked at Ye Yun with a knowing expression.
"Ah? Miss Song, I was wrong. I'm truly wrong. I sincerely apologize," Ye Yun was genuinely "frightened" this time. If Xing Wu found out, it wouldn't be as simple as kneeling on a washboard.
"Heh heh!" Seeing Ye Yun's "cowardly" demeanor, Song Ziyue laughed as if flowers were blooming.
"Wait, may I ask what happened between you and Ye Aotian, miss?" Meng Ji asked, his heart trembling with anxiety.
"What could have happened? I just said you were sensible, and now you're saying this again," Song Ziyue said, annoyed, to Meng Ji.
"I apologize, I apologize. It was my impetuosity," Meng Ji quickly apologized.
"Meng Ji, Miss Song is just teasing you. Don't take it seriously," Ye Yun said helplessly.
"Thank you for your comfort, Your Excellency. I'll have a drink with you!" To alleviate his emotions towards Song Ziyue, Meng Ji quickly raised his cup for a toast. Ye Yun took the opportunity to raise his cup as well. They bowed to each other and then drank in one gulp.
After a cup of immortal wine, a refreshing aura enveloped their bodies. Meng Ji's emotions seemed to have stabilized considerably.
"Oh dear, you two are enjoying your drinks, and you're not including me?" Song Ziyue huffed.
"Miss Song, as a lady, it's probably best if you don't drink," Ye Yun advised.
"Hmph, you look down on me, don't you? I'll drink if I want to!" Song Ziyue sat on a nearby stool, looking very confident.
"This..." Ye Yun didn't expect her to be so "stubborn." If she were his wife, he could firmly forbid her from drinking. But their relationship hadn't reached that point yet, and he couldn't really control her.
"Since you have such an inclination, I'll treat this time. Waiter, bring the finest immortal wine!" Meng Ji shouted excitedly.